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Written By: S Holmes | www.stonesdetroit.com
Santa Claus brought my son, Tristin, three tickets to the New Year’s Day Piston game vs. the Sacramento Kings. I feel compelled to tell of our experience at the game, not just because my son is still smiling ear to ear but because of a deserving little boy named Isaiah Thomas Bonner.
I hadn’t realized how much Santa hooked us up until we were actually sitting down. We were just a few seats off of the visitors’ tunnel. I figured if we were lucky the Pistons would get the “W” and Tristin could bump knuckles with a couple of the players.
Our good fortune started early. Before the game some of the Kings players were signing autographs. Isaiah, who was seated directly in front of us, gave Tristin a marker so he could get some signatures too. A small gesture but coming from such a young boy, I was impressed.
During halftime, I was watching my son out of the corner of my eye, he was beaming. He got three autographs, the man next to us gave him a t shirt, he was on jumbotron for at least 15 seconds and the Pistons were leading the Kings 58-48. Adding to his elation, Isaiah gave him a brownie sundae.
The Pistons maintained their lead throughout the second half, although Sacramento made a late run and closed the gap with only four minutes left in the game. Watching Tristin’s and Isaiah’s enthusiasm was infectious. Andre Drummond threw down a couple of monster jams, Greg Monroe, who I imagine is Isaiah’s favorite because he was sporting a number ten jersey, had a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. With 11 seconds left on the clock, Austin Daye sealed the Kings’ fate with a nothing but netter from beyond the arc. Detroit won their third straight, beating Sacramento 103-97.
Immediately following the final buzzer, Tristin and Isaiah made their way over to the railing. Tristin was hoping to get a headband but was thrilled with the chance to simply high five some of the players.
Isaiah was karmically rewarded for his generosity and got the game shoes worn by Sacramento King, Francisco Garcia.
What happened next literally brought tears to my eyes. That may sound cheesy but as I slowly lose faith in humanity, watching children display acts of complete selflessness warms my heart. Absolutely unprompted, Isaiah gave one of the shoes to my son. That may not sound like a lot to some people but that one action will stay with Tristin forever. At the least, it will be a story that he tells his kids but even more it will be something that he learns from and will hopefully pass on to others.
For me, I think about my son who is having heart surgery in less than a week and how Isaiah made this basketball game an experience that Tristin will never forget.
I have learned a little bit more about Isaiah. He is a fifth grade honor roll student and plays AAU basketball. His favorite sports are basketball and baseball. He is a big fan of the Pistons, the Tigers and U of M….Go Blue! He is also very active in his local methodist church.
During the game, I told his mom that she had a good kid there. She explained that she always reminds Isaiah to , “Keep his character”. I can attest that Isaiah Thomas Bonner is full of exceptional character. I will never forget his kindness, nor will Tristin.
Thank you Isaiah….
And not only was this boy incredibly generous to someone he never met before, he also does not (yet) see the world in terms of us v. them. Especially when other news of the day (I’m looking at you, Benny) seems to reinforce this divisive mentality based on race or which part of Detroit you’re from, this gesture warms my heart. And it couldn’t happen to a more deserving kid, with everything he’s going through medical-wise. This boy didn’t just make Tristin’s day but for so many more of us. Thanks for sharing.
After speaking to his mom during the game, I can tell you that she is equally amazing. A wonderful woman who is doing a phenomenal job raising her son. A great point though Doreen, we could learn a lot from children.
This is a story that truly warms my heart. I know the author of this article and her son, Tristin. Isaiah’s acts of kindness show me that God works so easily through the hearts of children.
What a wonderful way to start the New Year….touched by an angel. And the reverberations of that touch will live forever in Tristin’s soul…….you’re an amazing young man, Isaiah.
Way to go Isaiah (and Mum who taught him right). Children ‘get it’ when it comes to sharing. They could teach their elders a lot.
Tristin is my Grandson, and Isaiah has mad this a life long memory for my grandson. Isaiah’s mom should be quite proud of the amazing young man she is raising. Thank you Isaiah for being a great kid with a big heart!
A great example of how a seemingly simple act can have far-reaching effects. Thanks for sharing, Sarah. And thank you, Isaiah. Your kindness and generosity are inspiring. May it come back to you a thousand-fold.
Sue Linting… What are the chances that your Grandson is the special feature on StonesDetroit.com, that you already have a connection with. I am also in tears right now, and love, love, love, this story! Thank you Sarah Holmes for writing a great story… Tristin is a wonderful example of how all kids should think, and you should be very proud!!!! I love this story!
Nice job Isaiah, you’re a special young man.
Jimmy Haddad…Tristin is a very Special young man, and am always proud of him. Sarah (my daughter) is an exceptional Mother and I am as proud of her too. (And a darned good Sports writer too!)
What a beautiful story of character and kindness. Mrs. Bonner should be very proud of the young man she is raising. We should all be reminded to keep our character. Especially now a days! My best to Tristin and his upcoming surgery. Both him and Isisah will be my prayers. We need more good stories like this.
This is a very inspiring story about a random act of kindness that will not only create a memory for both young men involved but also alot of us grown ups out in the world who can have a tendancy to forget how important the little things can actually be. Cheers to Isaiah and Tristin. Also to their moms. Can’t forget the strong parenting represented here.
To call this a “random act of kindness” seems hardly enough. Call it fate. Call it a higher power. Call it divine intervention. However you refer to what happened here, there’s no denying that these boys were meant to cross paths. Mrs. Bonner, please know that there is no one more deserving of the kindness and compassion displayed by your amazing son than Tristin – nor is there anyone who would appreciate it more. I commend you for raising a young man with a heart far bigger than most adults. You and Isaiah have truly touched the lives and hearts of others.
Thank you Amie, that was perfect…
here was 2 kids just wanting these pro players to know how much love they have to give and one such player saw isaiah and gave him his game shoes ! wow ISAIAH how cool is that ? not only that but ISAIAH showed just what a man he will become by giving his new friend and buddy tristin one of the game shoes ! i don’t think i could of done that . maybe i learned a good lesson today by a human being that wanted to make a statement of his own ! now because of isaiah and tristin my NEW YEARS resoution is to give more instead of taking more ! thank you both ISAIAH and TRISTIN ,you both are my hero’s !
I love this Story!! Sarah you are such a good writer! Our children are a reflection of us and you seem to be doing an incredible job!
Thank you, that means a lot.
Isaiah is a product of excellent parenting. He should be commended on sticking to what his Mother has taught him. All children are born “Color blind”. They see the truth where adults see a jaded preconceived ideal.
Mrs. Bonner I salute you and to Isaiah, you are a very special young man who has his head put on right. Keep it up. Remember it is always better to give than receive.
Those who give are far more richer in life than those who take, take take.
Great story about two great kids.